France Orders Troops into Mali

BREAKING NEWS. Bravo France. This evening French President Francois Hollande announced that he is sending French troops into Mali, with the accord of the Malian president Troare, who declared a state of emergency as the jihadists who control northern Mali move south to engage Malian troops 700 miles from the capital, Bamako. Hollande said the French mission would last as long as it takes to drive the "terrorist and criminal" jihadists out of Mali. Hollande said their presence in the country represents a menace to Mali, all of Africa and Europe itself. Other West African countries, notably Senegal and Nigeria, immediately committed to send troops to fight alongside the French contingent. French hostages are being held by the jihadists and French special forces have been charged to rescue them. Hollande will seek approval of the French National Assembly on Monday. The French conservative Gaulllist party and the extreme right Front National have announced support for President Hollande's action. British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced British support for the French initiative. Mali has seen the northern half of its country cut off and terrorized by extremist jihadists who are particularly vicious toward women, and men who hold public or business posts. Hollande said that Mali's plea for aid could no longer be ignored. And so, dear readers, once more - as in Libya and Syria - it is France that takes the lead in supporting "peaceful and democratic" people, as Hollade said, and in Mali, he added the future existence of the nation is at risk. French Foreign Minister Fabius said that the jihadists have left their northern stronghold to move south and turn Mali into "a terrorist state." We are waiting for signs of life and recognition from the Obama administration in Washington.